4Minute
| Company type | Girl group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | June 2009 |
| Founder | Cube Entertainment |
| Defunct | June 2016 |
| Headquarters | South Korea |
| Products | Music albums, singles, concerts |
4Minute (, frequently presented in all caps) was a South Korean girl group created by Cube Entertainment, composed of members Jihyun, Gayoon, Jiyoon, Hyuna, and Sohyun. Renowned for their bold dance-pop sound and a distinctive "girl crush" concept, they garnered a significant following among female audiences.
Their debut occurred in June 2009 with the release of the single "Hot Issue." Throughout their career, they produced one full-length Japanese album, Diamond (2010), one complete Korean album titled 4Minutes Left (2011), seven Korean extended plays, along with numerous singles.
4Minute was recognized with multiple prestigious awards, such as the Rookie Award at the 2009 Golden Disc Awards, the K-pop New Artist Award at the 2010 Billboard Japan Music Awards, and the Bonsang Award at the 2011, 2012, and 2014 Seoul Music Awards. The group disbanded in June 2016 after contract renewal discussions with Cube Entertainment failed.
2009–2010: For Muzik, Hit Your Heart and Diamond
On May 14, Cube Entertainment revealed plans for a five-member girl group named 4Minute, introducing former Wonder Girls member Kim Hyuna as the initial member.[1] Following this, Nam Ji-hyun was unveiled on May 22, with the remaining members disclosed the next day.<ref>4Minute’s first single, "Hot Issue", was launched on June 15, followed by their debut performance on MNet Countdown on June 18.<ref> Their debut mini-album For Muzik was released on August 20 and included the lead track "Muzik," which earned an Inkigayo Mutizen award. Despite this success, KBS prohibited "Won't Give You" () due to alleged suggestive lyrics; Cube Entertainment responded by emphasizing that the song conveyed "pure feelings of a girl to a guy" and expressed regret over the ban.<ref> On October 15, they released the single "What a Girl Wants".<ref> On December 2, 4Minute teamed up with Korean artists Mario and Amen for the Christmas track "Jingle Jingle".<ref> Additionally, they produced a remix of American singer Amerie's "Heard 'em All" for its Asian release, featuring labelmate rapper Yong Jun-hyung from Beast.<ref>
Universal Music Group announced support for 4Minute's international album rollout on January 5, 2010.<ref> The group embarked on tours across Taiwan, Philippines, Thailand, and Hong Kong.<ref> On May 5, they introduced "Muzik" as a Japanese single,<ref> followed by their inaugural Japanese concert on May 8.<ref> The single climbed to number 21 on the Oricon weekly singles chart.<ref> On May 19, they released their mini-album Hit Your Heart featuring the title track "HuH," which included collaboration with labelmates Beast on "Who's Next?".<ref> The song "HuH" reached number three on the Gaon Singles Chart.<ref> The South Korean radio station Voice of Freedom broadcasted "HuH" into North Korea.<ref> On July 5, they unveiled the music video for "I My Me Mine," the second single from the album.<ref> Their track "Superstar" was digitally released on July 19 for the TV program Superstar K2.<ref> They performed at Celebration at Marina during the Singapore Youth Olympic Games 2010.<ref> The Japanese version of "I My Me Mine" was issued on July 30.<ref> Their third Japanese single was released on October 12.<ref> In December, concerts titled 4Minute Energy Live Volume 2: Diamond were held in Tokyo and Osaka. The Japanese album Diamond was launched on December 15 and debuted at number eighteen on Oricon charts.<ref>
2011–2012: 4Minutes Left, Volume Up and "Love Tension"
On January 13, 2011, 4Minute appeared at the DiGi Live K-Pop Party in Malaysia, sharing the stage with Beast and G.NA. A week later, on January 20, they were honored with a Bonsang Award at the 20th Seoul Music Awards. In February, they secured the Kpop New Artist Award for 2010 at the Billboard Japan Music Awards. On February 23, the group showcased their talents as models for bridal designer Yumi Katsura during her Tokyo Fashion Show, performing "Muzik" and "Why". Then on March 12, they took part in the 50th Anniversary Music Wave Concert held in Thailand. Their fourth Japanese single, "Why", released on March 9, was selected as the theme song for TV Asahi’s drama Akutō: Jūhanzai Sōsahan.
The digital mini-album Heart to Heart was launched on March 29, accompanied by a music video featuring CN Blue's Jungshin. Their full Korean album, 4Minutes Left, followed on April 5 and included tracks from the mini-album along with the song "Diamond". Despite initial controversy surrounding its choreography, which required adjustments prior to live performances starting on M! Countdown April 14, the lead single "Mirror Mirror" climbed to number two on the Gaon Chart.
Collaborations included working with Japanese artist Thelma Aoyama on her single "Without U", which featured both Japanese and English versions. Additionally, Hyuna contributed to SS501’s Heo Young-saeng’s solo mini album Let It Go. On July 5, Hyuna debuted her solo mini album Bubble Pop!, whose music video quickly went viral, amassing over 10 million views on YouTube by August despite an early halt to live promotions due to regulatory scrutiny.
On August 3, 4Minute released "Freestyle", an endorsement track created for video game company JCE. The Japanese version of "Heart to Heart" was uploaded on August 15 and officially released as their fifth Japanese single on September 7, reaching number 15 on the Oricon Daily Singles chart. Their inaugural DVD release, Emerald of 4 Minute, attained second place on the Oricon Daily DVD Chart. In October, their track "Ready Go" was selected as the opening theme for TV Tokyo’s drama "Welcome to the El-Palacio", followed by its release as their sixth Japanese single on December 6.
On April 9, 2012, the group unveiled their mini-album Volume Up, featuring a title track and music video that propelled them to number one on M! Countdown. Later that year, on August 22, they issued their seventh Japanese single "Love Tension", which included a Japanese rendition of "Volume Up". Their international presence expanded with a performance at KCON 2012 in Irvine, California on October 13. On December 4, they contributed "Welcome to The School" for the soundtrack of KBS TV series School 2013.
2013–2014: Name Is 4Minute, Is It Poppin'? and 4Minute World
Between January and February of 2013, 4Minute took part in the United Cube Concert tour covering China, Korea, and Japan. On April 26, they released their fourth mini-album Name Is 4Minute, which featured the lead single "What's Your Name?" produced by Brave Brothers. The promotional campaign embraced a fantasy theme accentuated by neon color schemes. By late May, this single topped the Gaon Single Chart, marking their first chart-topping hit there and subsequently reached number one on the Billboard K-pop Hot 100 by June 1.
The summer single "Is It Poppin'?", also produced by Brave Brothers, was released on June 28. This track presented a playful hip hop dance style suited for summer audiences and incorporated slang popular within club culture. However, KBS judged some lyrics inappropriate for broadcast standards and requested edits. Critics from Billboard highlighted its fusion of classic R&B samples with electro-pop sounds and praised its polished production. The song peaked at number nine on the Gaon Digital Chart and number six on the Billboard K-Pop Hot 100 while surpassing 600,000 digital downloads.
In September of that year, 4Minute concluded their contract with Universal Music Japan and subsequently shut down their official Japanese website and fan club.
On January 20, 2014, Brave Brothers released “Only Gained Weight”, featuring members Hyuna, Gayoon, and Sohyun; this track achieved a top-five position on both Melon and Gaon charts. Their fifth mini-album 4Minute World was launched on March 17 with “Whatcha Doin' Today?” as its lead single. They promoted this release across major Korean music programs from March 20 through March 23. The single debuted at number one in Korea—marking their first chart-topping debut—and earned first-place wins on both Inkigayo and M! Countdown. On June 7, they performed at Dream Concert alongside labelmates Beast, Apink, and BTOB.
A tragic incident occurred on October 17 during a festival performance in Seongnam when a ventilation grate collapsed beneath fans attending the concert; this accident resulted in at least sixteen fatalities and eleven injuries. Later that month, on October 28, the group was recognized among ten recipients of the "Style Icon Awards" for their significant influence in fashion and also performed at the ceremony.
2015–2016: Crazy, Act. 7 and the group's disbandment
Cube Entertainment revealed on January 26, 2015, that 4Minute would release "Cold Rain," marking their initial ballad single. Following this, on February 9, they launched their sixth EP titled Crazy, accompanied by a music video for the lead track. This EP secured the top position on the Billboard World Albums Chart upon debut. On April 4, 4Minute performed a solo concert in Myanmar, drawing an audience of approximately 7,000 attendees.
The group announced their seventh mini album, Act. 7, on January 20, 2016, which was officially released on February 1. The lead single, "Hate," was produced in collaboration with American producer Skrillex. On June 13, Cube Entertainment confirmed that the group would disband following the expiration of their contracts; only Hyuna chose to renew her agreement. A company spokesperson explained that despite attempts to retain half of the members, the remaining four decided against continuing, resulting in the group's official dissolution.
Subunits
In late 2012, Cube Entertainment introduced a subunit named 2Yoon, comprising members Gayoon and Jiyoon. On January 17, 2013, 2YOON debuted their album Harvest Moon along with the lead single "24/7," and performed their first stage on M! Countdown that same day.
Discography
- Diamond (2010)
- 4Minutes Left (2011)
Television appearances and documentaries
A compilation of variety programs and documentaries featuring 4Minute.
| Year | Program | Broadcasting Network | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | MTV 4minute | MTV | Documentary series |
| 2010 | 4minute's Friend Day | MTV | The group interacts with everyday individuals. |
| 4minute's All In | SBS | ||
| ASAP XV | ABS-CBN | Their initial guest spot on a Philippine variety show | |
| Wowowee | Follow-up guest appearance on another Philippine variety show | ||
| 2011 | 4Minute's Mr. Teacher | E-Channel | Celebrity mentors assist the group’s rise to international fame. |
| 4Minute @ Shikshin Road | |||
| Exciting Cube TV | Mnet | Showcasing Beast, G.NA, and other artists from Cube Entertainment | |
| 2012 | 4Minute's Travel Maker | QTV Korea | Travel-themed documentary series |
| 2015 | 4Minute's Video | K-Star | Reality television series |
| Cube TV | IHQ | Featuring various Cube Entertainment performers |
Concerts
- 4Minute Energy LIVE Volume 1: First Concert (Tokyo) (2010)
- 4Minute Live in Manila (2010)
- 4Minute Energy LIVE Volume 2: DIAMOND (Tokyo & Osaka) (2010)
- 4Minute Volume Up Party (2013)
- 4Minute Like Water Concert (Seoul) (2013)
- 4Minute LIVE PARTY ROCK Concert (Sydney) (2013)
- 4Minute Solo Concert Fan Bash in Europe (Barcelona, Stockholm) (2014)
- 4Minute Solo Concert Fan Bash (Myanmar) (2015)
- 4Minute Solo Concert Fan Bash Tour In Latin America (Argentina) (2015)
Awards and nominations
| Award ceremony | Year | Category | Nominee / Work | Result | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asia Model Awards | 2010 | BBF Popular Singer Award — Female Group | 4Minute | Template:Won | |
| Asia Song Festival | 2010 | Asian Influencer Artist Award | Template:Won | ||
| Billboard Japan Music Awards | K-pop New Artist Award | Template:Won | |||
| Cyworld Digital Music Awards | 2009 | Rookie of the Month – June | "Hot Issue" | Template:Won | |
| Golden Disc Awards | 2009 | Rookie of the Year | 4Minute | Template:Won | |
| Digital Song Bonsang | "Hot Issue" | Template:Nom | |||
| 2012 | "Mirror Mirror" | Template:Won | |||
| Digital Daesang | Template:Nom | ||||
| Album Bonsang | 4Minutes Left | Template:Nom | |||
| 2013 | Album Bonsang | Volume Up | Template:Won | ||
| Album Daesang | Template:Nom | ||||
| 2014 | Digital Song Bonsang | "What's Your Name" | Template:Won | ||
| Digital Daesang | Template:Nom | ||||
| 2015 | Best Dance Performance | "Whatcha Doin' Today" | Template:Nom | ||
| 2016 | Album Bonsang | Crazy | Template:Nom | ||
| Popularity Award | 4Minute | Template:Nom | |||
| Global Popularity Award | Template:Nom | ||||
| Gaon Chart Music Awards | 2013 | Song of the Year – May | "What's Your Name" | Template:Won | |
| 2016 | Popular Singer of the Year | 4Minute | Template:Nom | ||
| KOCCA Rookie Music Awards | 2009 | Rookie of the Month | "Hot Issue" | Template:Won | |
| Korean Culture and Entertainment Awards | 2015 | Top 10 Singer Award | 4Minute | Template:Won | |
| Korean Entertainment Arts Awards | 2009 | Best New Artist Award | Template:Won | ||
| Korea Lifestyle Awards | 2015 | Best Performance of the Year Award | Template:Won | ||
| Korea SNS Industry Awards | 2016 | Grand Prize | Template:Won | ||
| Melon Music Awards | "Best New Artist" | "Hot Issue" | "nom" | ||
| Mnet 20's Choice Awards | 2010 | "20's Most Influential Stars" | "won" | ||
| Mnet Asian Music Awards |
External links
- 4minute artist page on Cube Entertainment's archived site
- 4minute official profile at Universal Music Japan
- ↑ Before the formal announcement, the group was informally referred to as the "Hyuna group".
- Articles with short description
- Articles with hatnote templates targeting a nonexistent page
- 4Minute
- 2009 establishments in South Korea
- Cube Entertainment artists
- Japanese-language singers from South Korea
- K-pop groups
- Musical groups formed in 2009
- South Korean dance music ensembles
- South Korean hip-hop acts
- South Korean girl groups
- South Korean synth-pop acts
- Universal Music Group artists
- Universal Music Japan artists
- 2016 disbandments in South Korea
- Musical groups disbanded in 2016
- South Korean musical quintets
- South Korean female electronic musicians
- Musical groups disestablished in 2016